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A return to the Champions league is imperative for the Reds, but they face a tough side in Hoffenheim whose defence could stifle Liverpool’s rapid counter-attack style, with the likes of Sadio Mane leading the line.

However, it is speedy Egyptian Mohamed Salah who excites most, following a goal in his reintroduction to the Premier league after his move from Roma this summer.

Hoffenheim’s home record from last season may be the crucial factor, with the German side turning the Rhein-Neckar-Arena into a tough venue for visiting sides.

When is Liverpool vs Hoffenheim?

The Reds will begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, August 15.

Hoffenheim will host the fixture in their 30,000-capacity stadium.

The game will kick off at 7:45 pm.

What TV channel is Liverpool vs Hoffenheim?

The game will be shown live on BT Sport 2, you can also keep updated with talkSPORT and SunSport live blog.

Coverage of the match will begin at 7pm.

Fact Me

Liverpool have progressed to the Champions League group stage in each of six previous seasons that they have entered at the qualifying and play-off stage.

Indeed, the Merseyside club won the Champions League in 2004/05 after entering the competition in the play-off round.

Liverpool have won six of their eight Champions League qualifying matches away from home, drawing the other two.

The Reds have lost just one of their last 14 European games against German opposition (W8 D5).

Jurgen Klopp has won three of his last four games against Hoffenheim in all competitions (D1), all while at Borussia Dortmund.

Current Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino played 153 games in all competitions for Hoffenheim, scoring 49 goals and providing 31 assists.

This will be Hoffenheim’s first-ever game in European competition.

Hoffenheim were unbeaten at home throughout the 2016/17 Bundesliga season – one of only three teams to achieve this feat, along with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.